There are now some great training schools for stunts. In my day, there were on the school of hard knocks. Uncle Gene LeBell mentored me and turned me over to some great stunt coordinators and I just kept learning and I'm still learning. However, you can cut a lot of corners now by enrolling in some good stunt schools. One I would highly recommend is my dear friend, Mike Long's, LA Stunts Training Center. For driving, Bobby Ore and Rick Seaman offer excellent programs. I'm sure there are other schools out there, but I can only recommend the professionals that I have personally worked with.
- Spice Williams-Crosby Veteran SAG Stuntwoman
Over the past year, Michael and Shelby have been running their professional stunt training programs at Celtic Media Centre, and I have seen firsthand the expertise and care they bring to each session, teaching everything from fights to high falls to actors and stunt performers from all over the country. Michael and Shelby have the experience and screen credits for stunt coordinating, including teaching actors stunt skills they can safely perform on camera. Their extensive knowledge of stunts and stunt safety, professionalism, and state-of-the-art line of stunt equipment would make Michael and Shelby an asset to any production.
- Patrick Mulhearn, Director of Operations, Celtic Media Centre
Trainee Testimonials
Hi Mike and Shelby!
Thanks to both of you and Marian Green I did end up going to the audition for the Indiana Jones show at Hollywood Studios in February, and they offered me a role. I was offered an on-call position, which actually works out really well for me, since I didn't have to relocate to Orlando. I trained for six weeks, and now I just do the show whenever I'm called in, which so far has been about once a month. I LOVE doing the show, and I LOVE working for Disney!!! My punches have also improved greatly, as you can imagine. ;)
I know that having high falls on my resumé was a real plus at the audition, so thanks again for all the training. I'm also attaching my most current resumé. Please keep me on file in case you can ever use me for anything!
Hope you are both doing well.
Best Wishes!
-Nikki Brower SAG/AEA
Hey Shelby and Mike,
I wanted to thank you again for the chance to train and learn from you last week. I feel stronger as a stunt actor and person after last week's session. I am still working on fixing my habits ingrained from years of live action work and working towards turning them into strengths. I know I still have more to learn and have room to grow. I appreciate all the help and advice given to me and the whole class over our short time together and hope I can repay you in the future by being able to perform to the expectation of whatever coordinator I work and say I trained with and learned from you two. I am shopping around to setup a photo session to get a better headshot and body shots. I am also cleaning up my resume to make it easier to read. Thanks again. Words can't really express the confidence and knowledge I gained from the Stunt Boot Camp and if you ever need anything from us feel free to ask. Best of Luck with all your endeavors this year and I hope that next camp inspires many other students and performers as it did for me.
Take care and stay safe,
Jake Eavey Stuntman Oklahoma City, OK
Note: Five months after Jake trained with us we were able to get him SAG card on our show "Ghoul," and right after that he got on "Yellow" doubling actor Max Thieriot in his home state of Oklahoma. Jake is now on his way to China where he has a two year contract with Mirage Entertainment. Go Jake!!
I had an opportunity to attend the L.A. Stunts Stunt Boot Camp in 2010. I had already worked as a stunt performer on several shows prior to attending the training, but I wanted to learn more. Mike and Shelby were excellent instructors. Their experience in the industry is impressive and their dedication to all the students in the class was obvious from the very first day. Mike and Shelby told all the students that we were now "part of the family" and offered us her assistance anytime we needed it in the future. They have, on many occasions, kept that promise to me! I highly recommend Mike and Shelby and all the instructors at the L.A. Stunts Stunt Boot Camp. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
- Jason Benjamin, SAG Actor and Stunt Performer
Jessica Kampling Stunt Boot Camp Graduate
Jessica Kampling
Jessica Was a Stunt Driver Double for Abigail Victor On "Teenage Dragonslayer" and Earned Her SAG Card
My name is Jessica Kampling and I attended the L.A. Stunts Training Center’s January 2009 Boot Camp. Hands down this is the best thing I could have ever done for myself and my new career. Not only did it give me the tools I need to succeed in my new career as a stuntwoman, it also made me physically and mentally stronger. The staff at L.A. Stunts is amazing! The facility is top notch, stocked with everything needed to train someone who is interested in this line of work. Professionalism and safety are top priorities amongst the stunt coordinators and trainers.
Going into something this extreme was a little intimidating at first, but everyone made me feel very secure and protected. The staff is very experienced and will not let anyone attempt something that they are unsure of in anyway, whether the technique of the student needs improvement or the student is just uncomfortable for whatever reason. Nothing is pushed on you, and everything happens at a steady pace for each individual and their own unique way of learning. Everything is organized in a way to where you learn by taking progressive steps and building confidence, rather than just jumping into it. Not only did I learn stunt tumbling, mini tramp, trampoline, fighting for camera, squib hits, low and high falls, ratchets, car hits, near misses and weapons handling, I also learned film set terminology, how to know my limits, set etiquette, how to get a SAG card, marketing for stunt people, and working with coordinators. All of this valuable training and information was all given to me in just one Stunt Boot Camp session.
I am still in awe over my whole experience and will never forget how much fun it was. Whether you are brand new to the industry like me or are a current stunt person looking to further your ability, I highly recommend L.A. Stunts to do the job!The staff was so kind and patient it was an absolute joy to be in their presence. I made lifelong friends and improved myself as an individual thanks to Mike and Shelby! Sincerely,
